Myitkyina
The name Myitkyina means near the big river in Burmese. This northernmost river port sits on the west bank of the Ayeyarwady River. It lies just downstream from the confluence of the Mali and N'mai rivers. Before 1894, the area was a shallow lake called Saya Kung by local Shans. The dried lake became known as Sara Gung in the Kachin language. British land Surveyor Commission assessed the site during 1894, 1895. They officially named the town Myitkyina that year.
American Baptist missionary George J. Geis arrived with his wife in the late 1890s. They requested permission to build a mansion in 1900. Herman Tegenfeldt later built a church in his honor during the 1950s. Japanese forces captured the town and nearby airbase in 1942. Allied forces recaptured Myitkyina in August 1944 after a prolonged siege. Nationalist Chinese divisions fought alongside Chindits and Merrill's Marauders against the 33rd Imperial Japanese Army. General Masaki Honda commanded the besieged elements. General Joseph Stilwell led the Allied forces. The Ledo Road route passed through this strategic location.
Myitkyina experiences a borderline tropical monsoon climate according to Köppen classification. Temperatures remain very warm throughout the entire year. Winter months from December to February are milder than summer. A winter dry season runs from November to April. Summer wet season occurs from May to October. Most residents dispose of waste by burning it in small piles roadside. Plastics enter these fires along with other trash. Almost every block has one small fire every evening. Burning usually starts late afternoon. By 6:00pm the city air is often quite smoky. Atmospheric pressure sometimes keeps smoke lingering into the morning. Air quality remains poor during evenings outside the monsoon season.
The city holds approximately 150,000 people as its population count. Kachin, Shan, Bamar, Burmese Gorkha, Chinese, and Indians live here together. The Kachin language serves as the common tongue among the Kachin people. Some individuals speak English or Nepali while most use Burmese daily. Foreigners can visit without prior government permission now. Civil war ongoing as of February 2025 makes travel unadvised. Government offices occupy the capital building. The Kachin State Parliament stands nearby.
Myitkyina functions as the business center for Kachin State. Natural resources include jade, gold, amber, teak, wood, and agricultural products. Government data showed almost US$2 billion in jade exported yearly during 2010 and 2011. Fighting between Kachin Independence Army rebels and the government has reduced most businesses. Business operations have gone down significantly due to conflict. The region relies heavily on these natural resource exports for income.
Myitkyina Airport connects Putao, Mandalay, Yangon, and Lashio on Mondays. Travel by train takes almost 24 hours between Mandalay and Myitkyina. The Mandalay, Myitkyina Railway has been used for 100 years. Farmers and traders relied on this railway before the 2021 military coup. Car routes connect Laiza, Bhamo, China, and Sumprabum. Bus stations link to Mandalay, Yangon, Lashio, and Magwe. The British constructed the Myitkyina-Tanai-India road known as Ledo Road.
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Common questions
What does the name Myitkyina mean in Burmese?
The name Myitkyina means near the big river in Burse. This northernmost river port sits on the west bank of the Ayeyarwady River.
When did British land Surveyor Commission officially name the town Myitkyina?
British land Surveyor Commission assessed the site during 1894 and 1895. They officially named the town Myitkyina that year.
Who led Allied forces to recapture Myitkyina in August 1944?
General Joseph Stilwell led the Allied forces. Allied forces recaptured Myitkyina in August 1944 after a prolonged siege against the 33rd Imperial Japanese Army.
How many people live in Myitkyina according to population count?
The city holds approximately 150,000 people as its population count. Kachin, Shan, Bamar, Burmese Gorkha, Chinese, and Indians live here together.
Why is air quality poor in Myitkyina during evenings outside monsoon season?
Most residents dispose of waste by burning it in small piles roadside. Plastics enter these fires along with other trash so atmospheric pressure sometimes keeps smoke lingering into the morning.